The median Gibson County household earns $67,573, and 11% of residents live below the poverty line. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Indiana before sharing details.
On this page
- Gibson County, IN: the basics
- Housing costs in Gibson County
- Paychecks and income spread in Gibson County
- What stands out in Gibson County
- Gibson County industries and commutes
- Gibson County towns compared
- Regional comparison for Gibson County
- More Gibson County figures
- What a median Gibson County budget can carry
- Before borrowing in Gibson County
- Steps before you apply in Gibson County
- Indiana lender licensing
- Keep exploring
- Frequently asked questions
Gibson County, IN: the basics
Roughly 33,000 residents live in Gibson County, Indiana, 50th by population among the state's 92 counties and county equivalents. It covers 487 square miles of land, or about 68 people per square mile. No metropolitan area includes Gibson County in the 2023 federal delineation, so its numbers stand on their own rather than as part of a metro. Of the 10 Census places inside Gibson County, Princeton leads by population with about 8,372; 10 of the 10 are incorporated.
Housing costs in Gibson County
Half of Gibson County renters pay more than $935 a month and half pay less; the Indiana midpoint is $1,062. Rent takes 30% or more of income for 36% of renter households here. Home values center on $180,000, or 2.7 years of median income. 77% of Gibson County households own their home and 23% rent. The median home was built in 1974, so roofs, wiring and heating systems are a common source of repair bills. Against the median U.S. county, Gibson County rent is 7% above.
| Gibson County | Indiana | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent-burdened renters | 36% | 48% | -12.2 pts |
| Owners | 77% | 71% | +6.1 pts |
| Mobile homes | 8.5% | 4.4% | +4.2 pts |
| Burdened owners | 17% | 20% | -3.4 pts |
| Median home value | $180,000 | $218,200 | 18% lower |
| Median gross rent | $935/mo | $1,062/mo | 12% lower |
With 77% of Gibson County homes owner-occupied, equity is a real alternative for many readers; just remember a missed HELOC payment puts the home at risk.
Paychecks and income spread in Gibson County
$67,573 is the median household income for Gibson County, set against $71,957 for Indiana.
| Household income | Gibson County | vs Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 21.8% | -0.7 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 45.4% | +2.0 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 27.4% | +1.5 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 5.4% | -2.8 pts |
22% under $35,000 and 33% at $100,000 or more: that is the Gibson County income split. Census counts 10.8% of Gibson County residents in poverty, against 12.3% across Indiana. For a borrower in Gibson County, the county median is only context: a lender looks at the income you can document, so pay stubs, benefit letters or tax returns matter more than any average.
What stands out in Gibson County
Where Gibson County lands at the extremes of Indiana's county rankings:
- The share of workers who work from home: 3.6% in Gibson County. Only 1 of 92 Indiana counties are lower. Most workers travel to a job here, so commuting costs are part of the budget.
- Few Indiana counties match Gibson County on the uninsured rate: 3.7% here, 7.4% for the state, ranking 4th lowest of 92. Lower uninsured rates still leave deductibles; check what a plan covers first.
- The ACS unemployment rate: 2.3% in Gibson County. Only 8 of 92 Indiana counties are lower. A tight job market helps steady income, but lenders still verify it.
- On the share of renters paying 30% or more of income for rent, Gibson County sits near the bottom of Indiana at 36%, 11th lowest of 92. Lower rent burdens mean more renters have slack, but test your own numbers.
Gibson County industries and commutes
Top Gibson County industry by residents employed: manufacturing, 31%; second, education and health care, 20%. Compared with Indiana, the county leans toward manufacturing (31% against 18%). ACS puts five-year average unemployment at 2.3% in Gibson County. Commutes of 45 minutes-plus: 9%; under 15 minutes: 41%. Households without a car make up 4.0% of the total (6.2% statewide).
| Top industries | Gibson County share | +/- vs Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 30.7% | +12.6 pts |
| Education and health care | 19.7% | -3.8 pts |
| Retail trade | 10.3% | -0.4 pts |
| Transportation, warehousing and utilities | 6.8% | +0.6 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 6.2% | -3.0 pts |
| Construction | 5.8% | -0.8 pts |
If your hours swing with the season or with overtime, size a loan payment against your base pay, not your best month.
Gibson County towns compared
Here are the 10 most populous of the county's 10 Census places, with income and rent from the same 2020 to 2024 survey. About 56% of Gibson County residents live in one of the 10. Gap between richest and poorest larger place: $26,090, Haubstadt over Oakland City. Rent is cheapest in Owensville ($689) and steepest in Francisco ($1,055). From Princeton to the smallest crossroads, Gibson County residents share this guide.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton | city | 8,372 | $57,618 | $1,022 | 3 mi |
| Fort Branch | town | 3,021 | $58,707 | $877 | 5 mi |
| Oakland City | city | 2,262 | $48,850 | $880 | 13 mi |
| Haubstadt | town | 1,905 | $74,940 | $866 | 8 mi |
| Owensville | town | 1,156 | $56,635 | $689 | 7 mi |
| Patoka | town | 737 | $48,958 | $850 | 6 mi |
| Francisco | town | 537 | $63,836 | $1,055 | 7 mi |
| Somerville | town | 243 | $60,208 | $488 | 11 mi |
| Hazleton | town | 196 | $64,250 | n/a | 12 mi |
| Mackey | town | 88 | $45,625 | n/a | 11 mi |
Regional comparison for Gibson County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (17 to 26 miles). Gibson County's $67,573 median trails 3 of the six and beats 3; the range runs $57,086 (Wabash County) to $89,844 (Warrick County). Some neighbors are in Illinois. Lender licensing is state by state, so a loan for a Gibson County resident follows Indiana rules.
| Nearby county | Center to center | Household income | Gross rent | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gibson County | - | $67,573 | $935/mo | 77% |
| Wabash County, IL | 17 mi | $57,086 | $794/mo | 76% |
| Pike County, IN | 20 mi | $71,334 | $739/mo | 87% |
| Vanderburgh County, IN | 21 mi | $61,648 | $985/mo | 65% |
| Warrick County, IN | 23 mi | $89,844 | $1,061/mo | 82% |
| Posey County, IN | 25 mi | $78,129 | $782/mo | 82% |
| Edwards County, IL | 26 mi | $60,519 | $811/mo | 79% |
More Gibson County figures
In Gibson County, 19% of adults have at least a four-year degree (29% in Indiana). 3.7% of residents have no health coverage.
| Gibson County | vs Indiana | vs U.S. county median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or higher | 18.5% | -11.0 pts | -3.6 pts |
| Work from home | 3.6% | -7.1 pts | -5.0 pts |
| No health insurance | 3.7% | -3.7 pts | -4.1 pts |
| No vehicle | 4.0% | -2.2 pts | -1.4 pts |
| Median age | 40.2 | +2.1 yrs | -1.3 yrs |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 2.3% | -1.9 pts | -2.1 pts |
| Poverty rate | 10.8% | -1.6 pts | -2.4 pts |
| No high school diploma | 9.4% | -0.3 pts | n/a |
| Commute length | Gibson County |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 41.1% |
| 15 to 29 min | 32.0% |
| 30 to 44 min | 17.5% |
| 45 to 59 min | 6.0% |
| 60+ min | 3.3% |
What a median Gibson County budget can carry
Gibson County at the medians, through a lender's eyes (what DTI means):
- $67,573 a year is $5,631 of gross monthly income
- Housing at the median rent of $935 uses 17%
- $1,317: what a 40% ratio leaves once rent is paid
These are gross figures; take-home pay in Gibson County will be lower after taxes and deductions.
Before borrowing in Gibson County
What the Gibson County figures suggest, and what to check first:
- Scams. A fee demanded before funding is a red flag; report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (spotting scams).
- Paperwork. ID, proof of income and a bank account are the basics (requirements).
- Credit reports. Pull free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute errors before applying.
Steps before you apply in Gibson County
A short checklist for Gibson County borrowers:
- Size the loan to the bill, not to the most a lender offers.
- Shop at least three lenders, including one Gibson County-area credit union.
- Only work with lenders licensed for Indiana borrowers.
- Confirm the first due date before setting up autopay.
Indiana lender licensing
Consumer lenders serving Gibson County are licensed by the state, not the county; in Indiana that is the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions. Nationally, Gibson County residents can file with the CFPB.
Keep exploring
The Indiana guide covers the whole state.
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical Gibson County household make?
About $67,573 a year at the median (ACS 2020-24), 6% below the Indiana median.
Can a Gibson County renter afford a loan payment?
At the $935 median rent and $5,631 median monthly income, rent alone uses 17%; add other debts before a new payment.
Can Gibson County owners borrow against a $180,000 home?
Many can, through a home equity loan or line. It is secured by the house, so compare it with an unsecured personal loan before choosing.
How many towns are in Gibson County?
The Census Bureau counts 10 places mainly in the county, led by Princeton, Fort Branch, Oakland City, Haubstadt, Owensville.
Does my county matter to the questionnaire?
Only your state does. Whether you live in Gibson County or elsewhere in Indiana, the same rules apply.